Edward Araujo Júnior

By Lucas Almeida das Chagas, Rosângela Maria Lopes de Sousa, Rosiane Mattar, Julio Elito Júnior and Edward Araujo Júnior

Based on the understanding of the complexity of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the various factors associated with the disease’s onset, including the type of diet consumed, this chapter aims to assess the relationship between the role of diet and the risk of women developing GDM. GDM is defined as any degree of carbohydrate intolerance of varying severity, diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy, which does not meet the diagnostic criteria for pre-existing diabetes, and which may or may not persist after delivery. The etiology of this condition is not fully understood, but the diagnosis of GDM is fundamental to the prevention of complications for both mother and child. Currently, the gold standard for diagnosing GDM is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which should be performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Because of the high prevalence of GDM and its associated complications, it is imperative that pregnant women modify their eating habits and engage in regular physical activity to prevent the adverse effects of hyperglycemia. Lifestyle changes combined with dietary interventions such as the inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates rich in fiber should be followed to improve glycemic control and prevent the adverse effects of hyperglycemia during pregnancy.

Part of the book: Women's Health Updates